LG G8X ThinQ vs. Asus ROG Phone II: A Detailed Comparison for Power Users

Released around the same timeframe, the LG G8X ThinQ and Asus ROG Phone II represent different approaches to the flagship smartphone experience. The G8X aimed for a versatile, all-around premium device, while the ROG Phone II was laser-focused on mobile gaming. Now, with both phones available at significantly reduced prices, the choice becomes more compelling – but which one delivers the best value?
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a balanced experience, the Asus ROG Phone II is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 855+ chipset offers a slight performance advantage, coupled with 30W fast charging, which the LG G8X’s 21W charging can’t match. While battery endurance is similar, the ROG Phone II’s gaming-centric features add significant value for enthusiasts.

PHONES
Phone Names LG G8X ThinQ Asus ROG Phone II ZS660KL
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 29, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 1960/75 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat18 (Cat20 Ultimate edition) 1200/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - USA-
Launch
Announced2019, September 06. Released 2019, November 012019, July 22. Released 2019, September
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame
Dimensions159.3 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)171 x 77.6 x 9.5 mm (6.73 x 3.06 x 0.37 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)240 g (8.47 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditionsRGB light panel (on the back)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~391 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.59 inches, 106.6 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, HDR10AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, HDR10
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (1x2.96 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855+ (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 640Adreno 640 (700 MHz)
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12Android 9.0 (Pie), ROG UI
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM modelNo
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 1TB 12GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 3.0
Main Camera
Dual12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 9mm (ultrawide), 1.0µm48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 11mm (ultrawide)
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single3.15 MP, AF5 MP
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 720p@480fps; gyro-EIS (except @240/480fps)
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRPanorama, HDR
Single32 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm24MP, f/2.2, 0.9µm
Video4K@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with DTS:X stereo speakers (2 dedicated amplifiers)
 32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording Tuned by Meridian Audio24-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, accessory connector, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ad, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
BrowserHTML, Adobe Flash-
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging21W wired, PD, QC3 9W wireless30W wired 10W reverse wired, QC4
Stand-by-Up to 150 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 12 h (multimedia)Up to 5 h (3G)
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 6000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsNew Aurora BlackMatte Black, Glossy Black
ModelsLMG850EMW, LM-G850, 901LG, LM-G850NASUS_I001D, I001DA, I001DE, I001DC, I001DB, I001D, I001DD
PriceAbout 560 EURAbout 1070 EUR
SAR1.12 W/kg (body)     -
SAR EU0.90 W/kg (head)     -
Tests
Audio quality Noise -93.2dB / Crosstalk -93.4dB-
Battery life Endurance rating 111h Endurance rating 114h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -24.9 LUFS (Very good) -19.5 LUFS (Excellent)
Performance AnTuTu: 339726 (v7), 411980 (v8) GeekBench: 11251 (v4.4), 2870 (v5.1) GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 398935 (v7), 483239 (v8) GeekBench: 10923 (v4.4) GFXBench: 40fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

LG G8X ThinQ

  • Slightly brighter display (603 nits)
  • More compact and easier to handle
  • Versatile all-around smartphone experience

  • Slower charging speed (21W)
  • Less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 855)
  • Lacks gaming-specific features

Asus ROG Phone II ZS660KL

  • Faster charging speed (30W)
  • More powerful chipset (Snapdragon 855+)
  • Gaming-centric features and design
  • Reverse wired charging

  • Larger and less ergonomic
  • More aggressive gamer aesthetic
  • Slightly lower display brightness

Display Comparison

Both the LG G8X ThinQ and Asus ROG Phone II feature displays with an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels. However, the ROG Phone II boasts a slightly higher peak brightness of 626 nits compared to the G8X’s 603 nits. This difference, while not massive, translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. Both phones lack high refresh rate displays, a notable omission considering their release timeframe. The ROG Phone II’s larger size (6.59 inches vs 6.4 inches) may appeal to users who prefer a more immersive viewing experience, but the G8X’s smaller form factor offers better one-handed usability.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed specifications are limited in the provided data. Both are described as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the ROG Phone II’s gaming focus, it’s likely the G8X ThinQ prioritizes image quality and versatility. The ROG Phone II’s camera is likely tuned for quick snapshots and social media sharing, while the G8X may offer more advanced features and better low-light performance. The absence of detail suggests neither phone is a standout in the camera department.

Performance

The core difference in performance lies in the chipsets. The Asus ROG Phone II utilizes the Snapdragon 855+, a slightly overclocked version of the Snapdragon 855 found in the LG G8X ThinQ. The ROG Phone II’s CPU clocks at 2.96 GHz versus the G8X’s 2.84 GHz, providing a marginal boost in processing power. While both phones share the same CPU core configuration (Octa-core with Kryo 485 cores), the 855+’s improved thermal management allows it to sustain peak performance for longer periods, crucial for demanding games. Both devices utilize the same RAM configuration, so real-world application loading times will be similar.

Battery Life

Both the LG G8X ThinQ and Asus ROG Phone II offer excellent battery life, with endurance ratings of 111 and 114 hours respectively. This suggests similar real-world usage times. However, the ROG Phone II significantly outperforms the G8X in charging speed, supporting 30W wired charging compared to the G8X’s 21W. This translates to a much faster 0-100% charge time for the ROG Phone II. The ROG Phone II also features 10W reverse wired charging (QC4), allowing it to charge other devices, a feature absent on the G8X.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG G8X ThinQ if you need a more traditionally styled smartphone with a focus on versatility and a slightly brighter display. It’s a good option for users who want a premium experience without the overtly ‘gamer’ aesthetic. Buy the Asus ROG Phone II ZS660KL if you prioritize gaming performance, faster charging, and don’t mind a larger, more specialized device. It’s the clear winner for mobile gamers and power users who demand the best possible performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 855+ in the ROG Phone II offer a noticeable gaming advantage over the Snapdragon 855 in the G8X?
While the difference isn't massive, the Snapdragon 855+ in the ROG Phone II provides a slight performance boost, particularly in sustained gaming sessions. Its improved thermal management prevents throttling, allowing it to maintain higher clock speeds for longer periods. This translates to smoother frame rates and a more consistent gaming experience.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between the LG G8X and the Asus ROG Phone II?
The difference is substantial. The ROG Phone II’s 30W charging is significantly faster than the G8X’s 21W charging. Expect a much quicker 0-100% charge time with the ROG Phone II, potentially shaving off 30-60 minutes depending on battery level and charging conditions.
❓ Are there any software features on the ROG Phone II specifically designed to enhance gaming?
Yes, the ROG Phone II includes a dedicated 'Armoury Crate' app that provides a centralized hub for managing gaming settings, performance profiles, and accessories. It allows users to optimize the phone for specific games, monitor performance metrics, and customize the gaming experience.
❓ Given the similar battery endurance ratings, should I prioritize charging speed over battery capacity?
For most users, charging speed is more impactful than a small difference in battery capacity. Both phones offer all-day battery life, but the ROG Phone II’s faster charging means you’ll spend less time tethered to a wall outlet. This is especially valuable for gamers who frequently play for extended periods.